Feeder Reel Advice

[FeederHatch]

Hi all,

I have just recently got into fishing in the last year or so and currently really enjoy the Feeder set up. I've not stepped up to Specimen lakes yet, but it is something I would like to try at some point in the near future and if appropriate while sticking to a feeder set-up.

My current rod of choice is a Drennan Red Range Feeder with a Middy 4000 reel and 8lb line. All serve me really well on the current lakes I visit and I love using them. I have now just ordered a new Drennan Specialist Twin Tip, 11ft, 1.5 oz. Which I'm hoping is a step up in the right direction and will serve me well now and on future lakes (if I ever do step up to bigger challenges).

I've not decided on a reel for this rod yet and that is where I am after some advice from the seasoned pros?? I'm completely confused by all the different choices out there and the different reel sizes available to me. I don't fully understand how you work out what reel / reel size is best for certain styles or even size of fish you are targeting. If possible, I'd love one that can be duel purpose (like the rod) and cater for both Feeder and Float fishing. I also like the idea of the baitrunner system after reading a bit about it. and mainly I'd like something that will serve me we well now on the intermediate lakes, but also be capable of handling speci lakes in the future - If that is possible?

Any help or advice will be greatly received! Thank you

 

[ian g]

I'd say 4000 size is right for the rod set up you are using will give a nice balance . I'm not familiar with the Middy reel but if it's working fine then stick with it. Shimano and Diawa reels in that size would also do the job.

 

[john step]

As above, 40 size seems about right. When feeder fishing I do use baitrunners (Shimanos) which I only click on when reaching down for the flask or whatever and then not as a full runner, just an insurance setting to avoid loosing the rod. Not absolutely necessary if you are more able to concentrate more than I am. mg:

 

[mikench]

I really like the X Aero baitrunner in 4000 size and use it as intended or as John does. The Aero 4000 feeder reel( now discontinued) is another lovely reel! The Daiwa Emcast in 3500 is another very reliable bait runner. A nice touch on the Emcast is a luminous symbol to tell you the clutch is engaged!

Remember you cannot have too many rods and reels. To deprive yourself is just not fishing!

 

[FeederHatch]

Thanks for all the advice from everyone so far. So looks like a good 4000 option is the way to go. If I do feel confident enough to move up to bigger fish next year will the 4000 cope? I kind of have it my head that to target bigger fish you need a much bigger or stronger reel. But, is that not the case as long as you have strong enough line on the reel?

 

[chrissh]

A baitrunner or rear clutch both work the same way 4000 size reel will cope with most fish up to 20lbs with 6-8lbs main line and 4 -6lbs hook length it is all down to setting the clutch and playing the fish.

When you start going up to the 2.5lb to 3.5 lb T.C rods then look for a bigger reel

A 4000 shimano bait runner or the shimano 4000 super GT will balance you Drennan 1.5 T.C nicely don’t load your reel with line that exceeds your rod recommendation

When you are ready to buy the reel of your choice, take your rod with you and try the reel on it to see if it balances the rod, and how it feels to you

Im not knocking other makes of reel but I am probably more biased towards shimano that because I lived and fished many countries’ and could get spares and easily repaired.

 

[john step]

Thanks for all the advice from everyone so far. So looks like a good 4000 option is the way to go. If I do feel confident enough to move up to bigger fish next year will the 4000 cope? I kind of have it my head that to target bigger fish you need a much bigger or stronger reel. But, is that not the case as long as you have strong enough line on the reel?

A 4000 reel will cope with most things size wise. Dont run before learning to walk. If you decide to target big carp then learning how to control, handle safely and return the smaller ones first is the way to go. Big fish (carp) does mean lashing out on much more gear. Fisheries insist on a landing net of a certain size, ditto unhooking mats, weigh slings and all that sort of paraphernalia. Not forgetting the fishing charges.

See how you get on for a season or two as you are doing now?? Bigger fish will not necessarily mean more enjoyment of course.

There are waters where bigger fish are targeted which usually mean a longer wait for a run, size 6000 t0 10000 size reels 12/15 line and a rod to match. Nowadays that a 3lb TC or so. With the longer waits for a run you will probably want to double up the cost of having 2 or even 3 rods for a session?

Not trying to put you off but those things need to be considered if you want to visit some of those speci lakes.

 

[mikench]

I don't know if a big pit reel has beefed up components but I doubt it. So a big spool reel is intended for 300m of heavy line for casting to infinity. The reel then needs a beefier rod to handle it and the line! To get the hookbait to infinity and beyond you need a heavy weight of feeder. If that is what you fancy doing you need a carp rod. If you are like me and you go down this road and catch a large carp at distance you will haul it in and think what fun was to be had doing so and go back to a feeder rod.

I have 2 which I no longer use and probably never will. Remember too that an Avon rod which can be used to both float and feeder fish is a compromise. Well worth having but not at the expense of a quality light float rod and a sensitive feeder rod.

In my experience catching a nice roach, tench or crucian, even a carp to double figures is far more enjoyable and requires more skill than the pursuit of large carp with heavy gear. You may have to try it though to discover this yourself.

This brings me back to my earlier comment that you need more gear.

 

[FeederHatch]

Thanks again everyone - You have all been a great help! I’ll definitely stick to a 4000 reel and match it up with my new Drennan Twin Tip.
More than happy to stick to the beginner/intermediate lakes for another season or two anyway, as I know I still need to build my confidence and learn a lot more before trying anything else. It was more a case future proofing my gear to a certain extent. Sounds like more gear in the future is the way to go tho

 

[FeederHatch]

I really like the X Aero baitrunner in 4000 size and use it as intended or as John does. The Aero 4000 feeder reel( now discontinued) is another lovely reel! The Daiwa Emcast in 3500 is another very reliable bait runner. A nice touch on the Emcast is a luminous symbol to tell you the clutch is engaged!

Remember you cannot have too many rods and reels. To deprive yourself is just not fishing!

I’m also a big shimano fan! The first day I decided to get into fishing I naively went to Go Outdoors (thinking I would save myself some money in case I don’t like it and buy budget). I was lucky in a way as I still use some of the stuff today and one thing I still really like using is my Shimano 4000 hyperloop - think it was less than £20, but still my favourite reel to use today!

I’ve never heard of the Daiwa Emcast before, but having just looked it up it does look and sound damn good... under £70 as well seems a bit of a bargain for what you get. Can’t find many 3500 in stock, but a few places does have the 4000 in stock! Definitely considering... Thank you

 

[ian g]

Diawa make good reels , though they always seem to be a little larger than shimano so the 3500 would probably compare to a Shimano 4000 . Won't make a big difference but just something to bear in mind

 

[mikench]

I have a feeling that both the 3500 and 4000 reels are essentially the same but one has a larger spool capacity. They are good value at £60 or so.

Fishing republic have it for £64.99 with free delivery.

Oh i forgot to add that this reel was recommended to me by a very special gent and angler who used to frequent this forum by the name of Binka.

 

[FeederHatch]

Diawa make good reels , though they always seem to be a little larger than shimano so the 3500 would probably compare to a Shimano 4000 . Won't make a big difference but just something to bear in mind

Unfortunately Fishing Republic don’t deliver and the nearest one is not anywhere near me + they are full price again now anyway :-(
Think I’m going to get my local shop to order it for me as they will also line it - Guessing a 12lb looks right for these? I think I will also go with the 4000 over the 3500 as strangely enough it is a bit lighter??

 

[chrissh]

There’s Shimano areo feeder Ci4 4000FA Reel on eBay

Shimano areo feeder 4000 Reel 2 of 2 | eBay

I have one of these, which I prefer to my baitrunner for feeder fishing

YouTube

 

[ian g]

I'd say 12 lb is a little heavy myself for a quiver rod , unless your fishing a snag pit 8 lb would be a better balance . Your using a decent rod and will have a good drag on your reel so you should be able to catch most fish your likely to encounter.

 

[john step]

I'd say 12 lb is a little heavy myself for a quiver rod , unless your fishing a snag pit 8 lb would be a better balance . Your using a decent rod and will have a good drag on your reel so you should be able to catch most fish your likely to encounter.

I agree with Ian. 8lb would seem better. 12lb would drag on the cast and be too heavy for a quiver tip rods eyes.

 

[chrissh]

Unfortunately Fishing Republic don’t deliver and the nearest one is not anywhere near me + they are full price again now anyway :-(
Think I’m going to get my local shop to order it for me as they will also line it - Guessing a 12lb looks right for these? I think I will also go with the 4000 over the 3500 as strangely enough it is a bit lighter??

In your 1st post you say that you have ordered a new Drennan Specialist Twin Tip, 11ft, 1.5 oz

This rod is only rated to 10lb max line, what is the reel maximum line strength I would not go aboth 8lbs for feeder fishing

The Drennan Specialist 11ft 1.5 rod
1½lb test curve
Two-piece
Avon tip section
Quiver tip section
3oz & 4oz carbon tip
High-modulus carbon blank
Well balanced
Full SiC guides
Secure DPS reel seat
Excellent action
Superbly balanced
Suitable for rivers or lakes
Designed for the specialist angler targeting specimen fish
Ideal with reel line from 6lb to 10lb

 

[FeederHatch]

In your 1st post you say that you have ordered a new Drennan Specialist Twin Tip, 11ft, 1.5 oz

This rod is only rated to 10lb max line, what is the reel maximum line strength I would not go aboth 8lbs for feeder fishing

The Drennan Specialist 11ft 1.5 rod
1½lb test curve
Two-piece
Avon tip section
Quiver tip section
3oz & 4oz carbon tip
High-modulus carbon blank
Well balanced
Full SiC guides
Secure DPS reel seat
Excellent action
Superbly balanced
Suitable for rivers or lakes
Designed for the specialist angler targeting specimen fish
Ideal with reel line from 6lb to 10lb

Yes, that’s the rod I’ve ordered!

If I’m honest that’s the bit I struggle with most - Trying to match the correct rods to reels and get the right line on the reel - Seems like a minefield to me with so much choice as well!?

So at the moment I have a Drennan Carp Feeder Red Range (11ft) with a 4000 Middy reel and 8lb line - does work lovely and hasn’t caused me any problems.

I purchased the Twin Tip as I wanted my second rod to be a bit higher spec (which I think this is) and also give me a chance to try some float fishing as well. And I’m hoping to get the same with the reel as well.

I think the max. Line for the Daiwa BR 4000 is 12Lb? If I’m understanding this table correctly?
Emcast BR | daiwasports.co.uk

Based on the advice so far I guess I could put an 8lb line on one spool for use with the twin tip and then a 12lb on the spare spool? Potentially for the day when I purchase a third and even stronger rod??? I understand I might be talking nonsense here

Out of interest what approximate size of fish can each line take?
What’s the max size fish an 8lb line can typically take, 10, 12 and so on?

 

[Keith M]

Out of interest what approximate size of fish can each line take?
What’s the max size fish an 8lb line can typically take, 10, 12 and so on?

It’s not the size of the fish that dictates the line breaking strain that you will need. You can catch and comfortably land a 20lb plus Carp on 6 to 8lb line if you are fishing a fairly snag free water.

However most natural waters have their fair share of snags and Lilly pads and islands which you need to be able to steer clear of and this makes your rod and line choice a little more important than the size of the fish your catching.

I regularly accidently catch Carp up to 15 to 17lb (plus the occasional bigger fish) on 6lb or 8lb lines when I’m after Tench and Crucians on my local estate lake.

I caught a 23lb common carp by accident on Tench gear (using 6lb line) a couple of seasons ago on the estate Lake and my Tench gear handled the fish fine although if I were seriously targeting the larger Carp I would be using my Carp rods and 10lb to 15lb line.


The 23lb Carp caught on 6lb line while after Tench.

Keith

 

[chrissh]

I agree with Keith

It is not the line it is the correct clutch setting and playing the fish, which you will learn after a few hook pulls or snap offs. 6 or 8lb line will land a 20 lb fish on a commercial fishery

Play the fish don’t bully them and rip the lips off the fish

Use a weaker hook length 8lbs main line 6lbs hook length so if you do snap off the fish has only a 4-6inch hook length to towing around not yards of line to snagging up

Do not waste your money putting 12lbs line on the spear spool. Until you get a rod to take 12lbs line

Most anglers change their line every year.